Lot 727
Ludwig Bemelmans. Yolanda and the Thief. Gouache on paper and wood, 1945
Image size: 24 x 20 inches
Size with frame: 40½ x 36½ inches
Bemelmans extends the design of the piece onto an ornate frame. It is signed/ dated on frame's wood inset in black: '45 Bemelmans.
This piece is perhaps an initial design for a poster for the film.A unique original painting by Madeline's beloved creator who, like so many others, gave Hollywood a whirl - briefly. Working with MGM's fabled Arthur Freed unit, Bemelmans' whimsical story for Yolanda and the Thief - starring Fred Astair and directed by Vicente Minelli - should have been a hit, but wasn't. Instead, it become a cult classic, involving con men on the lam, a fictional Latin American country, guardian angels, and a well-swindled fortune falling prey to love. In addition to writing the screenplay for the 1945 fantasy/musical/romance, Bemelmans' also gave designing the poster a try. This is his attempt and although it never was used for the poster, what with his artfully painted frame and hint of Madeline's nun-like Miss Clavel, it as enchanting as any Bemelmans, ever.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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